Māori Diva Unveils Matariki Music Extravaganza
Award-winning singer-songwriter Toni Huata will unveil three new music projects at a Matariki showcase of Ngāti
Kahungunu talent in Wellington next month (June 2014).
‘Ngā Tukemata o Matariki - A Celebration of New Māori Music and Performing Arts from Ngāti Kahungunu’ will be held at the Wharewaka Function Centre, Te Raukura, from 5.30 pm on Thursday 5 June 2014.
Presented by WaaHuu Creations with the support of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara, the event marks the launch of
three music releases funded by Te Māngai Pāho: ‘Tomokia’ by Huata supported by Paddy Free; ‘Te Manu’ by PAO members Karl, Te Manea and Tangaroa Teariki; and ‘The Wagner Brothers’ EP by Adrian and Marc Wagner.
Huata is executive producer of all three recording projects - a first for the indigenous diva.
To mark the beginning of NZ Music Month today (Thursday May 1) - New Zealand's annual celebration of homegrown music and
its makers - ‘The Wagner Brothers’ EP has been released on iTunes.
According to Huata (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata), this will be one of the first times that a Matariki event
showcasing Ngāti Kahungunu talent - young and old - has been held in Wellington.
The line-up will also include kapa haka performances from two groups: Te Kura o Ōtari (Ōtari School) based in Wilton and
Kahungunu-ā-Tara - a seniors performing arts troupe led by Ngāti Kahungunu composer Te Taite Cooper.
“Whakapapa (genealogy) is an important part of the Māori New Year celebrations - it gives us a better understanding of
who we are, where we have come from and where we are going.
“It’s also a great way to bring whānau together to share stories, knowledge and, in this case, new music and performing
arts.”
Entry to Ngā Tukemata o Matariki is by koha (donation); however, RSVPs are essential as seating is limited. To book,
contact WaaHuu Creations on mobile +64 21 639 790 or email waahuu@xtra.co.nz
ENDS